Passive Eustachian Tube Opening Pressure: Its Measurement, Normal Values, and Clinical Implications

Endoscopic transtympanic Eustachian tube dilatation: An overview of evaluation methods and dilatation technique

“…Previously reported data on healthy subjects showed a secondary opening pressure of 35 AE 10 cm of H 2 O. 14 We felt that our threshold of >50 cm of H 2 O roughly approximates the <55 cm of H 2 O value (m þ 2s) for the 95% of healthy middle ear and Eustachian tubes.…”

“…We assumed presence of obstruction and decided on dilatation based on a secondary opening pressure more than 50 cm of H 2 O. Previously reported data on healthy subjects showed a secondary opening pressure of 35 ± 10 cm of H 2 O 14 . We felt that our threshold of >50 cm of H 2 O roughly approximates the <55 cm of H 2 O value (μ + 2σ) for the 95% of healthy middle ear and Eustachian tubes.Valsalva CT…”

Tests of Eustachian tube function: a review

“…Tubomanometry (TMM) was first described by Estève in 2001, although a similar procedure was previously described by Moon et al . in 1983 . The patient is positioned seated with a tight‐fitting pressure receiver in the external auditory canal, and a nasal applicator held tightly in place to allow the production of a defined pressure in the nasopharynx (Fig.…”

Interpretation of the nine‐step test for Eustachian tube function should consider mastoid cavity volume

“…4,5,7 Furthermore, alternative ETFTs, including sonotubometry, tubo-tympano-aerodynamic-graphy and tubomanometry, have been developed for the diagnosis of ETD. 3,6,[8][9][10] The critical disadvantage of the nine-step test is that can only be applied to a normal tympanic membrane, indicating an intact tympanic membrane with aerated middle ear cavity. For the reasons explained above, the nine-step test…”

“…Although sensitivity and specificity vary according to different cut‐off values and different definitions of Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD), the reported sensitivity and specificity of the nine‐step test do not exceed 75% and 90%, respectively 4,5,7 . Furthermore, alternative ETFTs, including sonotubometry, tubo‐tympano‐aerodynamic‐graphy and tubomanometry, have been developed for the diagnosis of ETD 3,6,8–10 . The critical disadvantage of the nine‐step test is that can only be applied to a normal tympanic membrane, indicating an intact tympanic membrane with aerated middle ear cavity.…”